How To Save A Pop Star Without Falling For Him

by Arisa May

Dying at twenty-five is annoying. Finding out it's because an afterlife error stapled your soul to a K-pop star's lifeline? Unforgivable. To reclaim her peaceful life, former gamer Choi Rei is forced to travel back to her childhood with one keep future idol sensation Han Cho-jun alive. Rei dedicates her life to becoming the ultimate K-pop manager, infiltrating his ruthless agency to act as his secret bodyguard. But CJ isn't making it easy. He doesn't know about the death curse, but he does remember the fierce girl who defended him when they were kids, and he is determined to win her over. Balancing brutal idol schedules, corporate conspiracies, and a charming pop star who refuses to respect professional boundaries, Rei is about to learn that saving a life is easy. Guarding her heart is the real crisis.

While this book is part of the Spotlight & Stars series, it features a complete, self-contained story and can be fully enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Genres: Romance

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

About the author

Arisa writes stories with a touch of magic, and is especially interested in portal fantasies (isekai) and the villainess trope. She has written over fifteen novels; several have been translated into French and Italian. She hails from Taiwan, where she can’t survive without air-conditioning, and when she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys baking desserts and dancing to Kpop.


*formerly published under the name of Aya Ling.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Lixiezil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC!

Wow. Where to start with this one? This was a wild ride from beginning to end. The story follows Rei who, after an afterlife clerical error involving lifelines and a stapler, becomes entangled with CJ. If he dies, she dies and vice versa. Rei must then go back in time to stop CJ from dying in a car accident in order to save both their lives.

So, I ended up staying up really late just to finish this book because I just had to know how it ended. I do kind of wish it had been a dual POV, mainly because I wanted to know more about CJ from his side rather than through the eyes of Rei. I really enjoyed the beginning and the ending of this book, however I thought the middle section dragged and was a little repetitive at times.

This is not a romance heavy book. I think the title had me thinking that romance was going to play a bigger part in this book, however it was mostly focused on the How to save CJ plot. I didn’t really mind it though as the book was still super engaging. I was here making up my own theories about what I thought was going to happen at the end (all of them wrong btw) There were some cute romantic moments which I did enjoy too!

Ji-Hoon is worst. Honestly wish he had something to do with CJ’s almost death just so I could hate him even more than I already do. Nobody likes a gold digger or a beg. Trying to get Rei back by being like “I’m fading…” I have second hand embarrassment for this man. Please, get him away from me.

Really interested in checking out the other books in the series after reading this one!

[cc · Rating 4 out of 5]

e-ARC from Netgalley.

3.75

I will definitely be diving into Arisa May's backlist because her writing is so good, the humor was so spot on, and this story was so much fun!

We follow Rei, a gaming addict with a trust fund and zero responsibilities. Her life is perfect until, out of nowhere, she dies of a heart attack and awakens in a Grim Reaper's office complex. She is informed that, when she was born, a lazy employee used her existence as scratch paper, then accidentally stapled her lifeline to that of a Kpop idol. So when the idol was killed in a car accident, Rei died, too. Because of the clerical error, however, she is being offered some compensation: though she never met him in her first life, she and the idol attended the same school when they were ten, so she can go back to that time and relive her life with the goal of keeping him alive in order to save herself.

Obviously, Rei accepts this offer and, upon awakening in her childhood room, makes it her goal in life to befriend young CJ Han so that she can stay by his side and keep him alive. A goal made more difficult by the fact that he is quickly scouted and locked into the iron contract of Kpop trainee life with no access to the outside world. When he emerges as an idol, only a select few will even be allowed near him. Thus begins the next stage of Rei's survival plan: learn everything so she can become his group's manager.

From the beginning, Rei is definitely over powered. Not only does she have all of her knowledge from her previous life, but she also knows exactly who and what she is going to be when she grows up, so is able to plan and pursue that before leaving elementary school. This is balanced, however, by the fact that the author makes it very clear how hard she works, studies, and trains to achieve her goals. And this is done through expertly crafted time jumps - and, by "expertly crafted," I mean they don't feel abrupt or like we're missing anything as the reader. Which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of time jumps in other stories.

CJ is super cute and wholesome from the start, so the quest to be reunited with him had me yearning for that connection alongside our protagonist. And, once reunited, the necessary professional distance is agonizing. But then, kind of out of nowhere, I sort of just didn't care about the Rei/CJ dynamic anymore. The yearning just disappeared. CJ was less adorable and more annoying. Rei was less interesting and more irritating. And it wasn't from any super obvious cause - the characters didn't suddenly do anything weird or awful, the tone just shifted somehow.

And that's also around the time the story itself went downhill. Because it randomly turned into a murder mystery at the end which was abruptly solved by everyone doing the right thing before we truly felt the stakes. (And the resolution made very little sense for a variety of reasons - the motive, the number of people in the hotel lobby late at night, their willingness to step in, the police's fast arrival, and the way a blurry video immediately led everyone to understand and believe exactly what was happening.)

But the writing was so freaking good in general that I want to read the other books in this series. Because, while the twist at the end didn't work for me, that doesn't mean I'll have the same issue with the other stories. Assumably, neither the Kpop idol who turns into a cat nor the random girl who finds herself body-swapped with a girl group's ice princess are going to suddenly find themselves in a murder mystery at the very end. I hope.

[Bookworm Denz · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC REVIEW 📖]

The How To Save A Pop Star Without Falling For Him
"Spotlight & Stars Book Three"
Author : Arisa May

This is the second ARC I got from the author & I am so thrilled it got approved!

This 47-chapter novel talks about the adventurous journey of the protagonist gamer & 25-year-old Choi Rei. She was w/ her boyfriend Ji-hoon at the Seogwipo Grand Resort for a vacation, when she suddenly died at 9 in the morning due to acute myocardial infarction complicated by sudden cardiac arrest. In simple terms, she had a heart attack. When she came to in her floating state of nothingness, she met this mundane Grim Reaper who looks nothing like one & tells her that her cause of death was a "cosmic error", a classic bureacratic snafu. She was given a chance though to fix it. She will need to go back in time when she was 10, making sure she & the other person binded w/ her (Han Cho-jun) stays alive till they reach the age of 25.
On the other hand, 25-year-old CJ (Han Cho-jun), the youngest member of world-famous KPOP Idol Group AXIOM, died in a car crash after he visited a luxury resort. Choi & him went to Seongsoo Elementary school together before, & it became her quest to find out the cause of the car crash.

Rei & CJ's childhood days were such a relatable cliché. School bullying, career-driven parents spending less time w/ their kids, abusive parents, & domestic abuse; all true-to-life family situations which shaped both of their characters as they grew up. I felt the strong bond of friendship that they found in each other, keeping them both sane & grounded through each other's company. Such admirable & strong kids. It was heartbreaking to know that they had to part ways the moment CJ needed to move to Canada though.

Rei's road to Junior Road Manager position in Prism Entertainment was one hell of a ride! Couldn't believe how she's even human! From her starter days w/ Peach Mint, to NOVA, & even to AXIOM as an assistant manager, she was unbeatable! I definitely rooted for her the entire way, especially during the time she took different trainings & classes to enhance her capabilities & of course to add to her resumé. CJ on the other hand also took a complete turn after being scouted to become an idol once his talents & skills had been discovered. His transformation was a mouth-dropping amazing journey through his hardwork & passion for music, inspired by Rei of course.

I also screamed like a maniac while reading about Manager Bora & of course the once missing member Min-ho who returned as if nothing happened. Ah the blissful throwback, gladly appreciated!

The characters, even the side ones, were all loveable. The flow of the story was smooth enough & easy to follow through its simple narrative. All in all, I definitely enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story! I had my share of laughs & tears as I read the whole novel. I breezed through this book like crazy! The ending = Chef's kiss 🤌

Thank you Netgalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read! Please extend my regards to Miss Arisa. 🥹🫶

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S.
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[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Save a Pop Star Without Falling For Him by Arisa May

First of all—thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was honestly such a fun surprise. As a K-pop fan, I went in curious, and it absolutely delivered in a way I wasn’t expecting. It captures both the chaos and charm of the idol industry—the exhausting schedules, agency pressure, and darker undertones—but also the found family, humor, and lighter moments that make it feel really engaging.

The story follows Rei, who dies at 25 from a cosmic error and discovers her life is tied to K-pop idol CJ. In order to fix the mistake and prevent her own death, she’s sent back in time to when she’s 10 years old to make sure CJ survives. From there, it becomes this mix of childhood friendship, fate, and slowly building connection as Rei works toward becoming his manager and keeping him alive.

And I was hooked.

Rei is such a strong main character—driven, strategic, and honestly kind of hilarious in the way she treats her mission like a game she has to grind through. Watching her grow from a kid trying to fix a cosmic mistake into someone navigating the idol industry and building a future around CJ was surprisingly emotional and really satisfying.

CJ is incredibly charming, and it was really easy to root for him. I do wish we had more of his perspective at times because I kept wanting to know what was going on in his head, especially as his feelings toward Rei started shifting.

Their relationship is a slow burn built on years of friendship, circumstance, and emotional growth rather than instant romance. It starts from necessity, but over time it naturally becomes something deeper without ever losing that grounded friendship core.

The pacing also really worked for me. The story spans years—from childhood into adulthood—and it never felt rushed or dragged out. Each time jump felt intentional, especially seeing them at 10 and then later at 22, where everything carries more weight.

I also really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at the K-pop world. Even without being super deep into it, it was easy to get immersed in the idol training, management side, and industry expectations.

The emotional growth in this book stood out a lot too. Rei learning to care about someone beyond her own survival mission added a really interesting layer to her character arc, and it made the story more than just a “save the pop star” setup.

And yes—there are chaotic moments, light humor, and even some frustrating characters (looking at you, Ji-hoon), which kept things balanced and entertaining.

Overall, this was such an easy, addictive read. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and suddenly I was way further in than I expected.

If you like:
🎤 K-pop / idol industry settings
⏳ time travel + fate twists
🖤 slow burn friendship-to-love
🎮 video-game style “mission” mindset MC
💫 found family + emotional growth
🔥 light drama with high stakes

you’ll probably really enjoy this one.

5★ — fun, unique, and way more emotionally engaging than I expected.

[Cozystephaniereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored How to Save a Pop Star Without Falling For Him. This book was sweet, romantic, emotional, and surprisingly thought-provoking while also giving me an inside look at the K-pop industry that I found fascinating.
When Choi Rei dies at twenty-five, she discovers her death was actually a mistake. Her fate is tied to K-pop idol Han Cho-jun, whose unexpected death led to her own. Given the opportunity to return to her childhood and relive her life, Rei makes it her mission to save Cho-jun. Determined to ensure she can reach him when it matters most, she dedicates her second life to becoming the best K-pop manager possible. The only problem? The closer she gets to him, the harder it becomes not to fall in love.
I loved Rei. In her first life, she coasted, relying on a trust fund and spending much of her time gaming. But in her second chance, she becomes someone entirely different. She throws herself into her studies, builds meaningful friendships, pursues a career with purpose, and genuinely grows into the person she wants to be. What I appreciated most was that saving Cho-jun wasn't her only goal. She learned to live her life fully, care about other people, and embrace experiences she never would have before.
Cho-jun was equally lovable. While he has no idea about the burden Rei is carrying, he has such a kind heart and genuine warmth that it made it impossible not to root for him. Watching their relationship develop over time was one of my favorite parts of the story.
The friendship between Rei and Cho-jun as children was absolutely precious. I loved watching them grow closer, support each other, and maintain their connection even after life pulled them in different directions. Their check-ins when he first moved were some of my favorite moments in the book because they showed how much they meant to each other long before romance entered the picture.
I also have to praise the amount of detail included about the K-pop industry. I went into this book with very limited knowledge of how the industry works, but the author did an incredible job of explaining the training process, the management side, the expectations placed on idols, and the overall business structure. It never felt overwhelming, and I genuinely felt like I learned something while reading. The pacing was fast, completely bingeable, and I never wanted to put it down.
I honestly have zero critiques. The romance was beautiful, the characters were easy to love, the concept was unique, and the emotional stakes kept me invested from beginning to end. I would recommend this book without hesitation. One word: Heartwarming.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Arisa May for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Minna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Crafting Magic Publishing, and Ms. May for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Looking over other reviews on GR, I feel it’s safe to say that there are plenty of other choices of reviews to read if you want a book synopsis. So, this review will not be summarizing the book, 미안해.

As a K Pop fan (PROUD ATINY! and fan of many others as well) and *also* a rabid K Drama watcher, this book completely hit the spot. I could totally see it being a (probably very good) K Drama. It hit quite a few of the traditional K Drama notes – childhood friendship/first love, pining in secret, ex drama, ML rescues the FL (more than once!), convenient proximity, etc. I mean. There might have been a wrist grab or Truck of Doom™ that I missed but I think many of the big moments were included. I would 100% watch this if it hit Netflix or Viki etc etc. I’ve even got it half-cast in my mind 😂🫠
As a K Pop fan I found the level of details the author incorporated about the inside of the (K) music industry absolutely fascinating. I mean, everything from all the wide variety of skills needed to properly manage a group to (what seems very authentic) tidbits about the color-coded cafeteria areas for various diets. Work culture and Idol culture in Korea seemed on-point based on what I’ve heard/read. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how isolating and lonely it must be to be a celebrity actor/artist in Korea (or China) and have to keep so much of your personal life absolutely secret. The fact that a healthy 20-something who wants to date someone is considered a “scandal” is crazy, and the level of obsessed fandom is also kind of hard for me to understand. I think this book did a great job of portraying this.

Character-wise I really liked tough, gritty, tenacious Choi Rei and also sweet golden-retriever Han Chojun (ahhh those sweet texts killed me!). I do wish Ji-hoon could have been punished a little more but honestly, forgetting him and moving on was probably all Rei had mental space for. After all, Chojun was always her priority. I did not realize there was a whole series of these K Pop Idol books but I literally went straight to Amazon to order them all. Literally this book hit me exactly perfect in my current mental space and I’m ready to devour all the rest in record time.
5 stars and, PLEASE, someone, make a freaking show (or movie! I’m not picky!) Out of this already. If anyone wants to give Kim Soo Hyun a comeback role as Chojun, I’ll be here for it. 😻

[Booksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhale K-dramas like water and lose way too much time reading Isekai-style manhwas, so this book was practically designed for someone with my specific hyperfixations.

So reading this was, for me, a delightful experience because it captures that edgy/urgent high-stakes energy in my favorite dramas and webtoons. It has the glamor, stakes and romance that makes me want to scream in a pillow.

The story follows gamer Choi Rei and future idol Han Cho-jun, whose lives become intertwined after a strange problem in the afterlife which literally stitches Rei's soul to Cho-jun's lifeline. Rei is pushed to time travel for the very simple fact that she needs her own life back. And so starts the Mission: keep him alive. She dedicates her life to be an idol manager and breaks into his entertainment agency to provide hidden bodyguard service. The highlight of the book is their dynamic which transitions beautifully from a strong childhood bond to a complicated, protective relationship where she is trying desperately to keep her feelings out of the equation while he is determined to win her over.

What really got me was the realistic and believable way the music industry was shown to work. Arisa May lifts the curtain on the brutal inner workings of idol life and the cutthroat business side of entertainment. We witness the punishing grind of gruelling training schedules, the stern corporate oversight, the relentless anxiety of public scrutiny, and the terrifying reality of fan obsession crossing dangerous lines.

If you want a fast-paced, binge-worthy contemporary romance that delivers on realistic industry drama, you need to add this to your TBR list. It completely delivered on its fun premise for me and is a perfect match for any K-drama fan.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the amazing Author for the ARC*

[Vee ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a fun and different read. It mixes time travel, K-pop, high stakes, and slow-burn romance in a way that kept me turning the pages. The story follows Rei, who dies because of a strange mistake in the afterlife and finds out her life is now tied to CJ, a future K-pop star. To save herself, she has to go back in time and make sure he stays alive. The idea sounds a little wild, but it worked really well for me.
Rei was easy to like. She is smart, determined, and funny, and I enjoyed watching her grow over the years. CJ was also very charming, and I found myself rooting for him from the start. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. It builds slowly from friendship and trust, which made the emotional moments feel more real. I will say the romance is not the main focus for most of the story, so if you expect a very romance-heavy book, it may not be exactly that. It is more about Rei's mission, her growth, and everything happening around them.
I also really liked the K-pop side of the story. The book gives a lot of detail about idol life, training, schedules, pressure, and the darker side of the industry. That part made the story feel interesting and fresh. At times, the middle felt a little slower than the beginning and ending, and I wished we got more from CJ's point of view. Still, I was completely invested and wanted to know how everything would turn out.
Overall, this was an addictive and entertaining read with a unique setup, lovable characters, and a very slow burn romance. If you enjoy K-dramas, K-pop stories, or books with fate, friendship, and chaos, this is definitely worth reading.

Thank you Author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC copy. These all are my honest thoughts

[Mihaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

As a kpop fan and as someone who reads a ton of isekai genre stories, this was like having two of my favorite desserts at the same time.

The romance is more like a sub-genre, but it made sense for the story, first developing as a friendship, then focusing on the managerial side of kpop, and everything that goes behind the making of a good MV, concerts, events, choreo. I loved reading every bit of it.

Rei dies at 25, then a tired Grim Reaper informs her it was because of a mistake, oops. But he also sends her back in time so she can save herself and the man her life got tied to. Beyond her knowledge of future events, she never uses it to make her life easier. She works hard to achieve everything, and while doing that, she realizes she loves being there for the groups under her wing.

Loved the representation, the characters, the slow-build to their romance, the angsty parts, her wittiness and her hard work. Loved the Grim Reaper as well, and I can just see him cheering for her in his mind while popping in here and there to let her know about new updates.

It's a perfect read for kpop and kdrama lovers. This would make for a nice kdrama, where you giggle at the small moments between the leads, cheer at the friendships in the show, and gnaw at the nails while going through more tense moments. It has that perfect blend of all the small moments while centering on the reality behind kpop groups and their lives.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for giving me this arc!

did i read this minutes after finishing my dissertation about korean homographs? yes
did that stop me from loving every single second about this book? not in the slightest

i spent so much time giggling or shaking my kindle in excitement it isn't even funny. and it wasn't even only for the romance parts. i was so giddy even when rei was doing stuff to boost her manager career in the future because i knew it was helping her get closer to seeing chojun!!!

speaking of him, he is so so sweet. i could honestly read the entire book from his pov as well and enjoy every second of it. watching him become more confident as time went on. i'm going to be thinking about him for a long time to come

my only complaint was that in the beginning (maybe the first 5-10 chapters?) i felt like rei compared her life to video games just slightly too much. i understand that it was basically her only personality trait in her first life but every single thing that happened had to be related to video games in general in some way. thankfully she grew out of it after the first few chapters as she began doing other things with her life, otherwise it would've become very old very very fast.

anyways, i see this book becoming the only thing i can think about for the next few weeks and i need to get back to editing that previously mentioned dissertation because i kept putting it off so i could unhealthily consume this book. . . (and then i need to read every other book in this series because if they're as good as this one????)

[Chaptersxchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a fun and refreshing read. Time travel, K-pop chaos, bodyguard energy, romance, and high stakes all wrapped into one story? I was hooked immediately.

The concept alone had me invested. Dying at twenty five because of an afterlife mistake and then being sent back in time to save a future K-pop star is exactly the kind of wild setup that works when it’s done well, and this absolutely delivered.

Rei was such a great main character. She’s determined, clever, and trying to stay focused on the mission, but life keeps getting messier in the best way. I loved watching her go from wanting a peaceful life to navigating idol schedules, agency drama, and feelings she definitely did not plan for.

CJ was impossible not to love. Charming, persistent, and clearly very interested in Rei from the start, he brought so much fun and heart to the story. Their dynamic had that perfect mix of tension, humor, and emotional pull.

I also really enjoyed the behind the scenes K-pop world. The demanding schedules, image management, and pressure of the industry added another layer that kept things interesting.

What made this stand out most was how balanced it felt. It was funny, romantic, dramatic, and heartfelt without losing momentum.

This was such an entertaining read with a unique premise and characters that are easy to root for. If you love romcom energy with high stakes and a little chaos, definitely pick this one up.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to an oversight in the afterlife, Gamer Choi Rei's life has been bound to that of K-pop sensation, Han Cho-jun. When he suddenly dies in his twenties, Rei dies too. In order to prevent her own early death, Rei travels back in time to keep the CJ alive. She befriends him and then tailors her life until she can become the best K-pop manager ever help act as his secret bodyguard. But CJ hasn't forgotten the friendship he had with Rei, and his interest in Rei threatens to undo all Rei's careful plans. Can she finally prevent both of their untimely deaths?

This was a fantastic read. Rei is extremely driven and her decision to view her mission as a video game quests adds a delightfully sarcastic internal monologue. Her determination and willingness to grind makes her unstoppable, and as Rei gains skills her own personal life changes in unexpected ways. Her friendship with CJ may have started from a selfish place, but as she gets to know him, she grows to appreciate him for his personality and musicality. Rei's personal growth while needing to put someone other than herself first is deeply rewarding to read.

Overall How to Save a Pop Star Without Falling for Him is a supremely well written book with excellent pacing and characterization. I felt like the book was much shorter than it actually was, as I was fully drawn into the story. Every page was an absolute joy to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annaliina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC!

Okay, where do I even start?

This book was such a nice treat from beginning to end. While it did take me a little while to fully get into it, I ended up enjoying it a lot. It was a simple yet delightful experience that I’m sure K-drama and K-pop fans would love. It gives some insight into how the (K-pop) music industry works behind the scenes - the harsh training and how tightly companies control everything.

The story follows Choi Rei, a trust fund girl, and an idol, Han Chojun, who die on the same day. It turns out their lives have been intertwined since infancy. Rei is told she can change their fate by going back in time to when they are ten years old, and she must keep Chojun alive just past the day they died in their first life. She dedicates her life to becoming a manager so she can stay close to him and prevent his death.

It was very fast-paced and felt fairly realistic, with lots of chaos. I enjoyed basically all the characters - I liked their personalities, and I loved that the main character, Rei, actually had a strong personality of her own.

It did lack romance, though, which I expected to be a bigger part given the title. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind it, even though their first kiss happens practically at the very end, I was so invested in everything else that it didn’t bother me.

So - no spice, quick, simple, fast-paced but the romance side is super slow.

Very much recommend it though.

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three of Arisa May's books in her Spotlight & Stars Series and this one is fantastic! The element of magic in How to Save a Pop Star Without Falling for Him is travelling back in time to change an event in the future. I was instantly hooked and used every bit of spare time to read!
Rei is a trust fund young adult who is aimlessly wasting her life as a video gamer. Her second chance life finds her hyper focused on doing the things necessary to place her in the position to save herself and a K POP star named CJ. She ends up becoming a highly educated, driven professional woman with all the skills necessary to attempted to save their lives. She goes through so many personal changes and discovers genuine self-worth along the way. She is steadfast to her life's goal but along the journey she learns about friendship, putting others first, commitment and love. CJ is just a sweetheart throughout the 15 years, and we see his heart's desire long before Rei!
I also loved how readers are given a behind the scenes look at the life of K POP managers with the stress, tension and personal sacrifices that are part of the job.
With an unusual trope and brilliant characters, How to Save a Pop Star with Falling for Him is an engaging spice free romance that is fun to read.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.

[Violet Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, let me start off with: I finished this one in ONE DAY.

I read the third installment of the Spotlight & Stars, and I do have to say this was my favorite.

Even though it was the result of a cosmic administrative error, this reincarnation story allowed for Choi Rei to really reevaluate her choices and right some of her own wrongs while pursuing her goals.

I enjoyed the quicker pace of the story, even though the book was longer. The amount of time I was able to spend wrapped up with the hyper focused and determined FMC and the personal growth she experienced as she "relived" life was a HIGHLIGHT! I think that the pacing and focus on the industry and how an idol is promoted, protected and experiences life was so interesting in the book.

I appreciated Choi Rei's focus on her job without a whole lot of self pity. There was such a great push and pull between her and CJ while also keeping a strong friendship as the focus.

This book had just the right amount of female gumption and yearning. This book was also a little different in that there was a slight bit of steam, some *Intense* kissing and a few touches that were not in the other books.

[Katyia Granton-Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the advanced copy from NetGalley

I loved this book! Rei dies suddenly aged 25 and finds out her life is cosmically linked with CJ. To prevent her early death, she must go back in time and prevent CJs death from happening.

I was really interested in the description of this book, and I got totally absorbed in the story. I’ve not read a book based around K-Pop before, but I really enjoyed this, and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in the series. I felt like it was paced well, sometimes when a book spans a large period of time (this one spans 15 years) it can feel as though too much time is spent in some time periods, or it’s too rushed, but I felt this got the pacing right. We spend a bit of time getting to know the characters aged 10, then move through to them at 22, and I felt like it was well done. It was a really fun and easy book to read, and I’m surprised I read it so quickly ( I have a 9 month old!) but I couldn’t put it down, so I was trying to find little moments to just read a bit more! If you’re looking for a fun romance with a twist, I’d definitely give this a go!

[Ameera khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Whew what a cool experience i normally don’t listen to K-pop and have any knowledge about the idols so I went in completely blind and oh boy was this book good. The plot of the story was very unique and the whole afterlife mistake shebang was very entertaining and a cool concept.

The book follows Rei’s life who dies and comes back to the past but in order to prevent her death she has to prevent the death of K-pop idol named CJ. This is such a cool setup and it really delivered on that high-stakes energy. Rei is a great main character because she’s actually smart and watching her navigate the chaotic world of idol schedules and agency drama was super entertaining. CJ is also incredibly charming so it was easy to root for them even though I really wish we got to see his perspective because I really wanted to see his thought process through it all anyways I really enjoyed getting the backstage process of k-pop industry.

And god ji-hoons character was so annoying don’t even get me started.

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

[Melissa De Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley.

Getting a do-over in life seems impossible, but Rei gets that opportunity after she dies because of a mistake that ties her life to someone else’s. She is sent back to when she was ten years old and must find a way to save the other person before it’s too late and they both die (again).

This time, Rei becomes friends with the boy whose fate is tied to hers. Now, they just need to stay close enough so she can save both him and herself before they turn twentyfive. Sounds easy enough, right? Unfortunately, many obstacles get in her way along the journey.
Luckily, Rei has years to plan ahead and figure out how to stay close to him at the right moments. However, there’s one important rule: she must maintain a purely professional relationship with him and absolutely not fall for him… but that might be easier said than done.

I really enjoyed the concept of this story. The idea of getting a second chance at life while being tied to someone else’s fate was very interesting and kept me curious throughout the book. I also liked seeing Rei grow up with the knowledge of what would happen in the future and how that affected her choices and relationships.

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, cute K Pop time travel drama. She dies, without warning, at age 25 and then finds out it was due to a clerical error - her lifeline was stapled to a K Pop Idol's, and he just died in a car crash. She's given the chance to go back in time, find him, and make sure he lives past 25 so their lives won't be tangled anymore.

This book was so funny. Rei was *focused*. A 25 year old trapped in a 10 year old's body, she's fighting bullies and acing math tests with abandon. Her sense of humor never changed, and it's glorious. She has a penchant for justice, and a devoted work ethic. She treats it like a video game, and grinds and grinds and grinds, adding side quests, and becoming the most ridiculously overpowered group manager ever. The romance was sweet, and *very* slow burn. You watch Rei grow and evolve and level up from age 10 to age 25. The MMC, CJ, is just a big adorable golden retriever that has been in love with his childhood best friend for over a decade, and she has no idea.

Content notes: infrequent light swearing, mentions of sex, a few kisses (one short swoony scene at the end).

[Elexis Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

When our heroine, Rei, suddenly dies at 25 she finds out that somehow her lifeline ended up stapled to the lifeline of k-pop idol sensation CJ. The grim reaper gives Rei a task so that she can have another shot at life - go back in time and prevent CJs death at 25. When she wakes up again she’s 10 years old and doing everything in her power to befriend CJ and keep him alive. Thus begins a story spanning 15 years.

Genuinely, this book was even better than I expected. I was a little weirded out when Rei woke up as a 10 year old and was conscious of her adult experiences from her first life, but the older she got the more I enjoyed it. I also think Rei had incredible character growth. The author did a fabulous job showcasing that growth throughout the book. CJ was a delight literally from beginning through the end. I do wish we could have learned more about CJs bandmates and his life/POVs. But overall, this was a great book and kept me entertained from the moment I started.

[Sigy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

How to Save a Pop Star Without Falling for Him is much more than a K-pop romance. Arisa May combines time travel, second chances, gaming humour, and heartfelt character development into a surprisingly emotional story. Rei is a wonderfully sarcastic, intelligent heroine whose mission to save future idol Han Cho-jun creates both laugh-out-loud moments and genuine tenderness. Their childhood friendship is the true strength of the novel, making every interaction feel earned rather than rushed. The gaming references, Korean setting, and behind-the-scenes entertainment industry details add authenticity without overwhelming the story. While the premise sounds lighthearted, the novel explores loneliness, family expectations, bullying, and finding purpose with remarkable warmth. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, time travel, and character-driven stories with plenty of humour, this is an easy recommendation.

[🌙henny✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was very unique in its writing style and subject matter. I enjoyed watching Rei’s glowup and her leaning into her strengths. The dialogue was super realistic as well, the plot was obviously crazy supernatural but the way the characters were so awkward sometimes was genuinely refreshing. I found it a little hard to read at times though for that reason, generally when reading a fantasy-style story I want to immerse myself in a world with characters that are better than me at everything 😅

I really loved how much detail went into this book though. I learned a lot about the inner workings of the K-pop industry! I was rooting for Rei and at the end when they finally got together, that was really special. The fact that they straight up didn’t actually get together until literally the last page… that was diabolical. That slow burn was SLOW. I loved it 😩

Great story!! Thanks so much to NG and the publisher for the ARC 🥰

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and never let go! The combination of time travel, K-pop, and a mission to save a future idol made for such a fun and addictive read. Choi Rei was a fantastic protagonist, focused on her mission without losing sight of her own growth along the way. The romance between Rei and Han Cho-jun, aka CJ, was sweet, full of chemistry, and developed naturally. I also loved the behind-the-scenes look at the K-pop industry, which added an extra layer of depth to the story. What stood out most was how well the book balanced romance, humor, and personal growth. While Rei's goal is to save CJ, her journey of self-discovery ended up being my favorite part. A fun, engaging read that works perfectly as a standalone!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read a book that teaches me something and entertains me at the same time. That’s exactly what this book did. I learned so much about what it means to be Korean, including their culture and family habits. I think I’m finally catching up with my granddaughters and K-pop.

Wow, was this book entertaining! I loved it.

It has a tremendous plot and amazing characters. The characters were well-developed, and I got to know them. They became my friends. I’d really, really like a sequel.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and BookSirens for the Advance Reader Copy . The opinions are my own.

[Lol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Rei, who dies at 25 from a heart attack due to a cosmic error. Since her soul has been intertwined with CJ’s since they were babies, she’s sent back in time to age 10 to keep him alive and fix the mistake.
From childhood friends to Rei doing everything to become his manager and save him making a light K-drama plot. It isn’t heavily focused on romance; instead, it’s a slow burn that stays dedicated to Rei’s mission to save CJ.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was made for me. As a kpop stan, I got super curious about this book and it didn't disappoint. It shows how the kpop industry works and how crazy it but it also has the good parts of it, the found family and the giggles.
I really liked Rei and CJ, how their relationship slowly developed into something more than a friendship created by circumstances.
I want to thank the author, Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a positive (and fun) surprise!

I was a bit sceptical about reading it, as the author has so many fun and interesting ideas but I tend to be disappointed by the execution. Not this one though! It was a fun, light read and I really enjoyed it. I haven't read the other books in the series but after this I will.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this storys development, though it felt less like a romance than i expected. I liked the magical part of this a lot though. The childhood friends to lovers part was great. The book did feel quite long, and i think there were some parts the could have been shortened

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Jurica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series yet. Rei works so hard to befriend a young CJ so she can keep an eye on him, so she tells herself, but they become genuinely close. When he disappears after getting scouted, she works so hard to be able to get a job to be close to him and keep him alive. When she does get that job as Prism, she’s desperate to keep it professional, and for them to not know they were friends as young children. She doesn’t want to get fired after all. As the reader, I could see where all of this became more about saving CJ, and less about saving herself due to the entangled lifelines. This is such a heartwarming story.

I received an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I really enjoyed The Purrfect Pop Star. Accidentally Idol had good world building, but was light on the romance.

But this. This book is amazing. The perfect combination of world building, romance, suspense, character and plot. Rei and CJ are fabulous and their story is wonderful and K-Drama worthy. All the stars.

Recommended for all the K-Pop and K-Drama fans.